KABUL - The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Thursday afternoon said preliminary findings indicate the death toll from the Kandahar Airport attack is 54. According to a UNAMA statement, of the 54 killed, 39 were civilians, including four children. 15 were security force members.

UNAMA said at least 42 people were injured – 23 of them civilians and 19 security force members.

Their statement read that all civilians killed were male, of whom at least four were boys. In addition 13 Afghan National Army soldiers and two Afghan National Police were killed.

"The majority of the deceased appeared to be civilian shopkeepers working at the bazaar and civilian customers. Of the 42 injured, at least 23 are civilian, including a woman and a girl," read the statement.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

UNAMA in turn condemned the attack and said: "The Taliban initiated the complex attack on 8 December (Tuesday) with fighting continuing over a 24-hour period, during which time they (Taliban) intentionally targeted civilian areas of the base."

The statement added: "Initial reports indicate that Taliban fighters dismounted their vehicles in the bazaar and opened fire, killing and injuring civilian shopkeepers and customers. The fighting reportedly continued in the residential areas of the base accommodating the families of Afghan security forces and airport staff."

In addition, the statement read: "UNAMA reiterates that international humanitarian law, which applies to all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan, including the Taliban, prohibits attacks against civilians at any time and in any place. This includes families of Afghan security forces and other civilians not participating in the conduct of hostilities. Additionally, parties to the conflict must take all feasible precautions to protect the civilian population against the effects of attacks."

The UN Mission expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims and a speedy recovery to the injured, the mission said.

Meanwhile, Afghan officials confirmed Wednesday that the attack was carried out by 14 Taliban fighters – all of whom were killed by security forces during the clearing operation. (Tolonews)